Content

MENASource

Feb 9, 2021

Protests in Tunisia conjure images of the past and questions about the future

By Keith Jones

The last decade successfully delivered Tunisian democracy, but it is increasingly apparent that democracy has not delivered for many Tunisians.

Middle East
North Africa

SouthAsiaSource

Feb 8, 2021

The dynamics of South Asia: A roadmap for the Biden administration

By Safiya Ghori-Ahmad and Kyle Gardner

South Asia offers the Biden administration opportunities to elevate US diplomacy and strengthen partnerships in capitals from Delhi to Dhaka. But doing so will require navigating five dynamics at play across this important region.

Digital Policy
Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Feb 8, 2021

The ‘blocking statute’: China’s new attempt to subvert US sanctions

By David Mortlock

China’s new blocking statute appears to be an attempt to blunt the impact of the threat of sanctions on additional Chinese companies for conducting business with sanctioned countries. If effectively implemented, the statute could force international companies to choose between potentially running afoul of US sanctions or risking retaliation from Beijing.

China
Economy & Business

IranSource

Feb 8, 2021

Hezbollah won’t avenge Qasem Soleimani’s death—for now

By David Daoud

As the first anniversary of Qasem Soleimani’s demise came and went, the group’s leadership reiterated its promise to exact retribution for the fallen Quds Force commander—but Hezbollah is even more constrained now than before.

Iran
Lebanon

Global Energy Forum

Feb 8, 2021

How to design an energy transition that includes everyone—including the most vulnerable

By Katherine Golden

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed an “interdependent” world with “huge issues of inequity,” said Sunita Narain, director general of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Without addressing these realities, “we cannot deal with the virus, and it’s the same with climate change.”

Climate Change & Climate Action
Energy & Environment

Event Recap

Feb 8, 2021

Event recap | Data salon episode 6: Digital identity

By Arjun Mehrotra

On Thursday, December 17, the GeoTech Center hosted the fifth installment of the Data Salon Series in partnership with Accenture to discuss the future of digital identity and the potential benefits of and hurdles to its widespread adoption.

Digital Policy
Economy & Business

UkraineAlert

Feb 7, 2021

Can Putin’s pet pipeline still be saved from sanctions?

By Diane Francis

Russia continues to defy US attempts to block the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, but with the new administration of President Biden committed to stopping the project, can it still be saved?

Geopolitics & Energy Security
Russia

EnergySource

Feb 5, 2021

Charting a path towards net-zero: The importance of US leadership in carbon dioxide removal

By Anne Canavati

Under the Biden-Harris administration, the United States can and must reemerge as a global leader on climate action. Accelerating research, development, demonstration, and deployment of a range of carbon dioxide removal applications is a critical step to achieving US and global climate targets.

Climate Change & Climate Action
Elections

UkraineAlert

Feb 5, 2021

Analysis: Ukraine bans Kremlin-linked TV channels

By Peter Dickinson

President Zelenskyy shut down three Kremlin-linked TV channels on February 2 in a move portrayed as a major blow to Russia’s hybrid war against Ukraine. The step has sparked debate over the balance between national security and free speech.

Conflict
Disinformation

The future is here

Feb 5, 2021

The post-COVID world this week: Vaccinations surpass infections worldwide, timelines to ‘normal’ emerge, and Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine goes global

By Atlantic Council

What can we expect from a post-COVID world after a pandemic that has reshaped international affairs? Geopolitical implications from Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine.

Coronavirus
Politics & Diplomacy